How do you avoid blown highlights and clipped shadows when metering for high contrast scenes?

1 Understand the histogram

The histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of light values in your image. It shows how many pixels are at each level of brightness, from 0 (black) to 255 (white). A well-exposed image should have a histogram that is spread across the entire range, without any gaps or spikes at either end. A histogram that is skewed to the left indicates an underexposed image with clipped shadows, while a histogram that is skewed to the right indicates an overexposed image with blown highlights. You can use the histogram on your camera's LCD screen or in your editing software to check your exposure and adjust it accordingly.

2 Use exposure compensation

Exposure compensation is a feature that allows you to override the camera's metering system and adjust the exposure by a certain amount of stops. It is useful when the camera's metering mode does not give you the desired result, or when you want to create a specific mood or effect. For example, if you are shooting a snowy landscape and the camera's metering mode makes the snow look gray, you can use exposure compensation to increase the exposure and make the snow look white. Conversely, if you are shooting a sunset and the camera's metering mode makes the sky look washed out, you can use exposure compensation to decrease the exposure and make the colors more vivid. You can use exposure compensation in any metering mode, but it is especially helpful in spot or center-weighted metering, where you can meter for a specific part of the scene and then adjust the exposure for the whole image.

3 Use bracketing

Bracketing is a technique that involves taking multiple shots of the same scene with different exposure settings. It is useful when you are not sure which exposure will give you the best result, or when you want to combine multiple exposures in post-processing. For example, if you are shooting a scene with a bright sky and a dark foreground, you can use bracketing to take one shot with a normal exposure, one shot with a lower exposure to preserve the details in the sky, and one shot with a higher exposure to bring out the details in the foreground. You can then merge these shots into a single image using a software like Photoshop or Lightroom, or use a feature called HDR (high dynamic range) that does this automatically.

4 Use filters

Filters are accessories that you can attach to your lens to modify the amount or quality of light that enters your camera. They are useful when you want to reduce the contrast in the scene or create a certain effect. For example, if you are shooting a scene with a bright sky and a dark foreground, you can use a filter called a graduated neutral density filter (GND) that reduces the amount of light in the upper part of the image, while leaving the lower part unaffected. This way, you can balance the exposure between the sky and the foreground and avoid blown highlights and clipped shadows. Another example is using a polarizing filter that reduces reflections and glare and enhances colors and contrast.

5 Experiment and practice

The best way to avoid blown highlights and clipped shadows when metering for high contrast scenes is to experiment and practice. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every situation, and different photographers may have different preferences and styles. The more you shoot and review your images, the more you will learn how to use your camera's settings and features to achieve the exposure you want. You will also develop your own creative vision and expression, which is what makes photography fun and rewarding.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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